Immunohistochemical study of tight junction-related protein in neovasculature in astrocytic tumor |
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Authors: | Tatsuo Sawada Yoichiro Kato Makio Kobayashi Yoshinori Takekekawa |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho Shinjuku, 162-8666 Tokyo, Japan;(2) Department of Pathology, Yokosuka Municipal Hospital, Japan |
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Abstract: | To clarify whether the neovasculature of brain tumors preserves blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions, we studied the expression
of a tight junction—related protein, Zo-1, using immunohistochemistry. Twenty-six astrocytic tumors were examined using an
anti-Zo-1 Mab, and Zo-1 expression was compared with the expression of vasicular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular
endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) (flt-1), and antiproliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). A positive reaction
for Zo-1 was seen in the endothelial cells in micro-blood vessels in all astrocytic tumors. The reactions for Zo-1 in the
endothelial cells forming glomeruloid proliferations in newly formed micro-blood vessels in high-grade tumors were weaker
than those in the endothelial cells of normal cerebral capillaries. Although there is a negative correlation between positive
immunoreactions for BBB-related proteins and the expression of VEGF of the endothelial cells in micro-blood vessels, the proliferative
activity of tumor cells, and histological grades, the present findings suggest that the endothelial cells of the neovasculature
of high-grade tumors preserve partial BBB function at the cellular level. Because of the ease of immunohistochemical procedures
compared with electron microscopic examination, the immunohistochemical detection of Zo-1 should provide a useful marker for
tight junctions. |
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Keywords: | Blood-brain barrier Brain tumor Immunohistochemistry Neovasculature tight junction |
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